The Thirty-Seven Interlacements of Hira Kara Gumi by Rosalie Neilson, second edition by Rosalie Neilson describes how the binary code can be used to predict unique two-color designs out of a possible 254. Rosalie presents research into unique design possibilities of kumihimo. She has added the number of elements and the binary code to each braid, so you can do one set-up, (like 5 elements color A and 3 elements color B), and can sample all at them at same time.

The book, based on a model of a Japanese folded page book, has 52 folded pages, and measures 4-1/4" wide by 6-3/4" tall, The artwork on the cover is representative of the stitched-and-silk binding of Japanese books, $30.00

The Twenty-Four Interlacements of Edo Yatsu Gumi by Rosalie Neilson is a companion book to the The Thirty-Seven Interlacements of Hira Kara Gumi. The book illustrates the 24 different 2-color placements of braiding elements on a Marudai (this braid can be made on the Hamanaka disk) to achieve the 24 definitive designs in Edo Yatsu Gumi, the 8-strand round braid which is the most familiar one to braiders (and used the most by jewelery makers). Only a few of these unique designs are ever shown in kumihimo books, and they’re usually the spiral design using 4 elements A and 4 elements B. (When using the book, braiders should also think about using two different weights of elements to achieve even more unique designs.)

The book, based on a model of a Japanese folded page book, has 48 folded pages, and measures 4-1/4" wide by 6-3/4" tall, The artwork on the cover is representative of the stitched-and-silk binding of Japanese books, $25.00

Takadai and Karakumi Braids by Hiroko Ojima and Mutsuko Okamoto. The authors have published another inspirational book, this time covering takadai, karakumidai, one page of free end braiding and disk and plate braids. Among the takadai braids there are several that are lacy and some using non-traditional threads. There are 21 pick-pu plus two drafts for pick-up braids depicting Japanese characters; Raku (enjoy), Emi or Warau (smile), Yume (dream), Furusato (home) and Sors (sky). Full color, Japanese, 60 pages, $25.00

Marudai and Ayatakedai Braids by Hiroko Ojima and Mutsuko Okamoto. Excellent images of marudai and ayatakedai braids to inspire you. Some that you recognize and others that you can appreciate. There is no instruction in this book other than some marudai color layout. Full color, Japanese, 60 pages, $25.00.

A Supplementary Translation of Makiko Tada's CTB 1
by Michael Hattori. After many requests, Michael Hattori has come out with a supplementary translation for Makiko Tada's Comprehensive Treatise of Braids: Marudai Braids (CTB 1). Although the book is largely translated into English there remain areas, particularly toward the end of the book, which are not translated and contain important braiding information. In addition, he has added his own commentary which contains expanded braiding information and many extras, such as an explanation of the Japanese weight system (momme), a glossary, and even a handy Japanese pronunciation primer. For any who already own CTB 1 or are considering buying a copy, this supplement is a must! Spiral bound, 8.5" x 11", 52 pages, $19.95.
Note: this is not a stand-alone version and contains no braiding diagrams. You must have Makiko's book as well.

Ayagaki-Charting the Pickup Braid A step-by-Step Workbook by Carol Miller Franklin. Carol has created a book to guide the takadai braider through creating and designing their own pickup braids. Pickup braids allow the designer to create motifs in the braid that will show up in mirror image on the back of the braid, they are complex but not difficult when following the instructions in this book. Self published in full color, 78 pages, softcover. $26.00

Takadai Rep Braids by Richard Sutherland. Learn how to produce colorful belt-width braids by adapting a standard size takadai for use with 80 weighted threads. Richard combines the freedom of fingerbraiding with the orderliness of a takadai. Six original patterns suitable for cotton, wool, or silk belts are provided, with methods for buckle or sash starts. Included is a detailed section on creating one’s own unique designs.

Errata for page 23, on both the color graph and the plain graph, a hatch mark needs to be added to Right Side Moves 9 and 10. On Move 9 the right side square touching the center line, and Move 10 the square next to it (one up from the center line).

Sixty Sensational Samples: A Kumihimo Collection by Shirley Berlin and Carol Goodwin. This book can be used as a workbook. All you need to know is how to use a marudai (or a disk). The book consists of color photos of the braids (back and front and close-up) and all the information needed to recreate them along with very helpful comments by the authors. Spiral bound, soft cover, around 100 pages. $37.50

Textures and Edges for Takadai Braids by Jennie Parry takes you systematically through a series of tactile textured single braids made on the takadai and 12 different edges. The doors are then open for you to design your own personal range of oblique interlaced braids. Minimum skills needed to explore these patterns are a familiarity with setting up a takadai and the ability to follow plain and twill hand moves. All the braids discussed use either 33 or 38 bobbins. The book also included reproducible pages for making your own designs.